Smaller countries, like the countries of the Caribbean and especially those that are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, have unique opportunities to lead the global climate movement once the larger nations steps back. These nations are often at the frontlines of climate impact, giving them moral authority and a compelling narrative to advocate for more ambitious climate action on the global stage.
Here are several ways smaller countries can take charge in the climate change movement:
Building Global Alliances and Coalitions
- Forming Regional Partnerships: Smaller countries can form alliances with other nations in their region to collectively address shared climate challenges. This could include efforts like the Pacific Islands Forum and Caricom which already advocates for climate action due to the existential threats' climate change poses to low-lying island nations.
- South-South Cooperation: Countries in the Global South can band together to share knowledge, technology, and resources for climate adaptation and mitigation, strengthening their collective voice in international negotiations. These coalitions can demand fairer access to finance and technology for climate resilience, as well as push for stronger emissions reduction commitments.
Emphasizing Climate Justice
- Highlighting Vulnerabilities: Smaller countries, especially low-lying island nations and those with fragile ecosystems, can frame climate change as an issue of climate justice. By emphasizing the disproportionate impact that climate change has on the poorest and most vulnerable populations, they can advocate for more robust and equitable global action.
Leading by Example: Climate Action at Home
- Aggressive Climate Policies: Smaller countries can pursue ambitious national climate action, regardless of global political trends they can remain focus. For instance, Costa Rica has been a leader in renewable energy, generating nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, and has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.
- Showcasing Climate Solutions: By piloting innovative and scalable climate solutions - such as solar microgrids, sustainable agriculture practices, or nature-based solutions for flood prevention - smaller countries can set examples of what is possible. Other nations, especially larger ones, will feel pressured to follow suit if smaller countries can demonstrate success.
Championing Global Climate Governance
- Active Diplomacy in International Forums: Let your voice be heard. Smaller countries can exert significant influence in multilateral climate negotiations. For instance, small island nations and vulnerable states have been vocal in pushing for stronger climate action at UN meetings, such as the COP summits. They can continue to lead in advocating for robust, binding emissions reduction targets and effective climate financing mechanisms, to keep the topic on the agenda.
- Leadership in Climate Finance: Smaller nations could work to create or join initiatives that offer climate finance to developing countries for mitigation and adaptation. As wealthier nations retreat, smaller countries may need to forge their own climate finance mechanisms and push for richer countries to fulfill their financial commitments under international agreements.
Harnessing Innovation and Technology
- Becoming Testing Grounds for New Technologies: Smaller countries can serve as early adopters and testing grounds for green technologies. Their smaller populations and more manageable regulatory environments make them ideal for experimenting with clean energy projects, low-carbon transport solutions, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Climate Tech Innovation: Smaller countries could also invest in developing their own climate solutions, such as advanced energy storage systems, sustainable agriculture methods, or carbon capture technologies. By positioning themselves as leaders in green tech, they could attract international investment and technological partnerships. When the larger nations decide to treat with climate change, they will have to go to the smaller nations for support.
Raising Public Awareness and Mobilizing Action
- Youth Movements and Advocacy: Countries with strong grassroots movements, like Sweden (with Greta Thunberg’s Fridays for Future), can continue to champion youth-led climate activism. Smaller countries can leverage their engaged populations to push for policy changes both domestically and internationally.
- Public Engagement and Education: By investing in public education on climate change and sustainability, smaller countries can ensure that their citizens are not only aware of the issue but are also empowered to take action in their communities.
Engaging the Private Sector
- Climate-Conscious Business Models: Smaller countries can incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable practices, promoting green entrepreneurship and attracting companies that prioritize environmental stewardship. In turn, these businesses can act as advocates for climate action in international markets.
- Leveraging ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): Smaller nations can position themselves as leaders in ESG investing by creating policies that promote environmentally responsible business practices and attract investments in green projects. The opportunities that the larger nations are turning away can benefit the smaller nations.
8. Leveraging Geopolitical Influence
- Strategic Diplomacy: While small in size, some countries hold significant geopolitical sway due to strategic locations or resources. Countries like Norway, with its role in global oil production and energy markets, or Chile, a leading producer of lithium (a key resource for clean energy storage), can use their economic leverage to push for stronger international climate commitments and trade agreements that prioritize sustainability.
- Soft Power: Smaller countries with a strong commitment to human rights, democracy, and sustainability can use their soft power - diplomatic influence, cultural appeal, and international cooperation - to shape global norms around climate change action. Always keeping it on the agenda, always referring to actions taken and successes, the movement requires that we never forget it.
Targeting Fossil Fuel Subsidies and Trade
- Campaigning Against Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Many smaller countries, particularly those in the Global South, can push for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies, which encourage unsustainable energy use. International pressure could be brought to bear on wealthier countries that continue to subsidize fossil fuels, shifting focus instead toward renewable energy.
- Leveraging International Trade: Smaller countries can advocate for trade agreements that incentivize sustainable practices, carbon pricing, and the inclusion of climate standards in international trade policies.
Ultimately, all countries have a critical role to play in leading the climate change movement. As one country takes a step back, it creates an opportunity for another to step forward to lead the charge. Climate change is not debatable, what's changes is its implementation and advocacy.
I admonish all climate warriors to see this time in our history as an opportunity to do more, to make your mark on keeping climate change interventions alive. Keep posting, keep hosting meetings, keeping speaking about it.
Today smaller nations moral authority on issues of climate justice, and their capacity to form strategic alliances position them to fill the leadership vacuum left by larger nations.
With determination, diplomacy, and bold actions at home and abroad, smaller countries can take control of the climate agenda and drive meaningful change for the planet.
